Getting to Know Turin On a Short City Break

Thinking about booking a short holiday to Italy? City breaks to any of the major cities or even the smaller towns will be an uplifting and unforgettable experience. One delightful place to consider is the city of Turin. Located in the northwestern part of the country, surrounded by mountains, Turin has a fascinating history and rich culture. The area was settled long before it was attacked in 218 B.C., but when the Romans arrived they laid out the city in such a way that parts are still visible today.

Even with a short time to spend in Italy, city breaks to Turin will give you a taste of the culture, history and art, and will likely leaving you wanting more.

Visit the Mole Antonelliana

Named after Alessandro Antonelli, the architect, the Mole Antonelliana stands proudly as a symbol of this city in northern Italy. City breaks, while short, should always allow plenty of time to explore, and in Turin, this site should not be missed. It was originally conceived as a synagogue, but after the Jewish community withdrew from the project halfway through, the city took it over and it was completed in 1889. The large tower and outline of the building is iconic in Italian culture, which is fitting for the building that housed the Museum of Risorgimento (1908 to 1938) and currently hosts the National Museum of Cinema.

Turin Cathedral

Visiting Turin will potentially give you the opportunity to see some very famous religious artefacts. Built in the later part of the 1400s, the Turin Cathedral is dedicated to John the Baptist and designed in Baroque style. It is laid out in a Latin cross with a total of 13 chapels and held inside is perhaps one of the most unique artefacts in the history of the Catholic religion: the Shroud of Turin. This is said to have been Jesus’ burial shroud and reportedly has an imprint of his face. Though the shroud is no longer in open view, you can check the website to see if you can make an appointment to view it.

Museo Egizio

If you can’t make it all the way to Cairo to get acquainted with the history of the ancient Egyptians, then plan a trip to, Italy! City breaks to Turin will allow you to visit the Museo Egizio, which is the second largest and most important museum of Egyptian antiquities outside of Cairo. The very first Egyptian-styled object came to Turin in 1630, and since then the collection has grown. Within the museum, which was founded by King Carlo Felice in 1824, you'll be able to view linens, mummies, goddesses' busts and the bust of King Ramses II. With six and a half thousand objects on display and another twenty six thousand in storage, there is bound to be something here to pique your interest.

Carolyn Spinks is COO of ABTOI - The Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy. If you’re looking for the perfect holiday in Italy, city breaks or longer visits, the LoveItaly website provides information, contact details of Italian tour operator members, insider tips, year round special offers and information on everything from beach holidays in Sardinia, cycling in Sicily, to a wedding or honeymoon in Tuscany.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.